In a decision that "could have broad implications for
colleges that inadequately fund women's athletic teams," Federal
Judge Raymond Pettine ruled yesterday that Brown University "had
discriminated against female athletes" by eliminating women's
gymnastics and volleyball teams in '91. In the ruling, Pettine
found that Brown had "failed to comply" with Title IX, a Federal
law that prohibits sex discrimination at schools receiving
Federal funds and ordains that women receive opportunities equal
to those accorded male athletes. Donna Lopiano, Exec Dir of the
Women's Sports Foundation: "This win is one more step in the
right direction for women's sports." Brown officials said they
plan to appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals in
Boston (Richard Sandomir, N.Y. TIMES, 3/30).